- What’s your day job?
I am with BFM Radio, the business station, I am part of the BFM Media Commercial team.
- What’s your best investment?
To date, my best investment was in the property market. I invested in an apartment, stayed in it for 4 years before renting it out to my friends. 10 years later, its value had gone up, so I sold it for a profit. Besides the profit, it was a great investment for another reason as I managed to house many friends over the years, the privilege of being able to do that was priceless.
- What was your worst investment?
There are a few worst investments actually, ha ha, and all related to stock markets. I was bad at investing in the right stock at the right time. I have a track record of getting them wrong. In hindsight, it was my fault for not doing my research before investing. A word of advice to readers, please do a lot of research and please have an investment strategy before you go into the stock market.
- What was your first-ever investment (and how did that go)?
First ever investment was insurance and in typical fashion it was because I had a friend who was just starting out and I wanted to help out. I have not let it lapse but it is one of those hybrid medical/investment/life policies.
- Your investment no-no’s (why not and what happened)
I am not able to share what not to invest in but I can strongly advise you not to invest using your cash meant for emergencies. And do not commit to investment schemes if you are not sure of your regular income flow. I think it is very important to assess your risk appetite before choosing which investment vehicle suits you. For me losing or worrying about money is something that really gnaws at me. The dread of losing far outweighs the thrill of winning.
- What are you investing for?
My investment goals are pretty much tied to my priorities in life – my career, my family and social well being. I do not have rigid goals; I am prepared to change my goals if I have to. To me, money is an enabler and wanting to invest just for money without priorities is not a goal by itself. I want to invest to achieve my priorities in life and that is my investment goal.
- What’s your investment philosophy/approach?
My view of investment philosophy is very personal. While most savvy investors take a balanced approach towards stocks, commodities and possibly forex, mine is somewhat between achieving financial freedom and intangible returns. I would say it is important that your investments focus towards personal growth and allow you to enjoy personal time with your loved ones. Your investment must allow you to do all these and be able to save for rainy days. With this, I think I can heed my mother’s advice – “if you want something, just go and get it”.
- What about insurance? What type of policies do you have and why?
I have medical insurance focused on paying bills, income loss, TPD payout. Since I do not have kids, with these policies, I hope I can leave enough assets for my parents. I did not get life insurance as my focus is to ensure I have enough savings to be independent if I do fall ill. For me, the main concern is being stuck with medical bills that I can't afford or not being able to get care due to lack of funds.
- What would you do differently finance-wise if we could turn back time?
If at all I could, I would not have placed so much importance on finance and would have focused on pursuing something more purposeful and meaningful. I think the obsession with material possession or the pursuit of accumulating wealth as an expression of self-worth is the root of all our issues. I am grateful to have had a healthy relationship with money and been exposed to many definitions of wealth. I am a firm believer that finance is an enabler to live the life you want and should not rule it.
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